Chelsea confirm signing of Cole Palmer from Man City for £40million
Chelsea have bolstered their attacking options by completing the initial £40m signing of Cole Palmer from Manchester City. The winger is the 13th player to move to Stamford Bridge this summer and has signed a seven-year deal with the option of an extra year.
The deal is a boost for Mauricio Pochettino, who has been pushing Chelsea to buy an attacking player since losing Christopher Nkunku to a long-term knee injury earlier this month. Chelsea are also without Mykhailo Mudryk and Carney Chukwuemeka before hosting Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Pochettino’s preference was to bring in a forward capable of playing in a variety of roles. Palmer fits the bill: a left-footed talent capable of playing on the right wing and through the middle.
Chelsea have moved quickly to sign Palmer and have agreed to pay £40m plus £2.5m in add-ons. The 21-year-old had hoped to earn more opportunities at City following Riyad Mahrez’s move to the Saudi Pro League. Palmer made an encouraging start to the season, scoring against Arsenal in the Community Shield against Arsenal and Sevilla in the Super Cup, and he played a pivotal role in England’s Under-21s winning the European Championships this summer.
Yet Pep Guardiola is not short of attacking options and has added Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes to his squad this month. Palmer needs regular football and his sale will strengthen City’s Financial Fair Play position. Money received for academy products counts as pure profit in FFP terms.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea, who have had another busy summer, attempt to make any more signings before the transfer window shuts. They are monitoring the Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who is suspended until January after breaching the Football Association’s betting regulations. There is no need for Chelsea to rush a deal for Toney but they are firm admirers of the England international.
Chelsea are negotiating an exit package with Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is on the verge of completing an £8m move to Nottingham Forest. The winger is set to undergo a medical and will be on reduced wages at Forest.
